Effect of Human-Machine Interface of a Vehicle on Right-Turn Maneuver at Intersections using a Driving Simulator

In the case of vehicles with low speeds at the time of pedestrian fatality, the percentage of pedestrian collisions was the highest for right turns, yet the mechanism of these traffic accidents has not been clarified. In this study, we investigate the behavioral characteristics of drivers when a vehicle makes a right turn in five situations using a driving simulator. We conducted an experiment using a driver assistance system that alerted drivers when the system detected pedestrians at the intersection. A human-machine interface (HMI) was first displayed when the subject vehicle (ego vehicle) stopped in front of the intersection due to a red light. The display was then turned off when the traffic light changed to green, and the ego vehicle started moving. It was displayed again when the ego vehicle entered the intersection. We found that HMI display was effective in increasing the percentage of driver's gazing time at pedestrians and in ensuring safety by the vehicle's stopping to move forward. Furthermore, we found that HMI's effectiveness was the most significant in the situation when three preceding vehicles made a right turn.